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Sleep disorders affect most people at some point of their lives, but in many cases it may become chronic and constitute a severe, debilitating condition that jeopardizes every aspect of the life of the sufferer. Generally specialists classify sleep disorders among these five types: insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless legs syndrome (RLS)/periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) and narcolepsy, each of which have specific characteristics. By far the most commons type of sleep disorder is insomnia, although not everyone manages to find the way around and get better without the aid of psychoactive pills.

Insomnia (also know as a chronic inability to get high quality sleep) is the most frequent types of sleep disorders, and most people will experience it at some point. Insomnia can be triggered by many factors, most frequently stress, a change in time zones, changes in sleep patterns and inappropriate or insufficient bedtime habits. If the causal factors are identified, insomnia can be easily treated in most situations. By aiming to improve sleep habits, learn and perform relaxation techniques routinely many insomniacs see important improvements. Sometimes a deeper approach is needed and trying cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be of great help.

There are also natural supplements that can help improve the sleep patterns significantly by working out the levels of serotonin in the brain. 5HTP, the active component of NightCalm is proven to boost the serotonin levels and this leads to a notable improvement in sleep after a few days.

Resveratrol and red wine, healthy heart and longevity. Heart Fail Rev. 2010 Sep;15(5):467-77 Authors: Das DK, Mukherjee S, Ray D Resveratrol, a polyphenol phytoalexin, present in red wine and grapes possesses diverse biochemical and physiological properties, including estrogenic, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as a wide range of health benefits ranging from chemoprevention to cardioprotection. Recently, several studies described resveratrol as an anti-aging compound. This review focuses on the anti-aging aspects of resveratrol, the possible mechanisms of action, and emerging controversy on its life-prolonging ability. It appears that resveratrol can induce the expression of several longevity genes including Sirt1, Sirt3, Sirt4, FoxO1, Foxo3a and PBEF and prevent aging-related decline in cardiovascular function including cholesterol level and inflammatory response, but it is unable to affect actual survival or life span of mice. PMID: 20238161 [PubMed - in process]

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An old adage claims that a glass of good red wine a day leads to a long and happy life. The second part of the statement may be up to you, but Science has shonw the truth behind the beneficial effects of certain red wine components on longevity. Resveratrol is an organic substance found in grapes and especially in red wine. Scientist have alreadyfound that Resveratrol can extend the lifespan of worms and fruit flies, but more recently they showed that the anti aging properties of Resveratrol work on vertebrate animals like fish, and very likely in humans as well.

The studies found that Resveratrol, when added to the diet of short-lived fish, had the effect of extending their lifespan. In addition, the onset of ageing-related memory loss was delayed significantly.

Resveratrol is is a type of antioxidant that belongs to the group of polyphenols. This substances, inlcuding the ones found in red wine, have anti-inflammatory as well as anticancer properties. Many researchers consider them very promising and are currently conducting studies for a variety of pharmaceutical uses.

Resveratrol buys time

Initially, studies have shown that resveratrol extends the lifespan of organisms with short life, such as yeast, fruit flies, and  some kinds of worms. The next step is to test the anti aging effects of resveratrol on animals that are more similar to us. In an new study, researchers examined the effects of resveratrol on a small fish species that lives up to three months in a tank. The results showed that supplementing the daily diet of the animal with resveratrol, their normal life span was prolongued, but also age-related memory and muscular problems appear much later than usual.

A low dose of resveratrol resulted in an average of 33% increase in life span for the fish, while the animals fed with a higher dose of resveratrol lived more than 50% longer.

The researchers that conducted the study say that resveratrol is one of the first substances known to consistently extend the life of organisms from very different animal types, and thus it constitutes a promising starting point for developing treatments to prevent age-related diseases in humans.

More information on Resveratrol can be found in the RevGenetics website.

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What is back pain?
Back pain is a pain which is felt in the back of the body. It originates from the nerves, bones, muscles, joints and other structures of the spine. Back pain is also known as ‘dorsalgia’. The pain may be occurring in the neck, which in turn can radiate to the arm and hand. In U.S the back pain is the fifth common reason for a patient to visit a doctor. Studies have shown that about 9 out of 10 adults experience back pain.
What are the causes of back pain?
The spine is considered to be one of the most complex interconnecting networks. It connects the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons in which all are capable of producing pain. This network also connects to the legs and arms through a nerve. S, the pain can radiate to the extremities. The back pain may be a sign of serious problems.
The back pain is caused due to the muscle strains on the back. There exists a muscle imbalance and in which the pain remains as long as this condition or imbalance exists. This causes a serious of mechanical problems with the skeletal system, which results in pain. Another cause for the back pain is a condition called occlusion. Here the mobile regions of the entire spine, which has cushioning set ups are supplied with blood and nerves. When these become pinched sudden pain occurs. This pain is caused because pinching causes those membrane to become inflamed, causing pressure. When you have over load works, this may also cause back pain. Factors such as stress, anger or depression can cause back pain. Other causes may also include trauma, cancer, infection, inflammatory disease and fracture.
The symptoms of back pain may include sever illness accompanied with muscle spasm, pain while walking, pain on one side. These symptoms when not treated properly may lead to severe consequences such as spine fracture and may even lead to coma.
What are the treatment methods for back pain?
First of all, reduce the stresses that you think is the cause for your back pain. Bach pain may also due to the bad posture when you sleep, giving pressure at some point. You can change the position of sleeping. If you get back pain, have bed rest for a whole two days. You can also apply ice pack on the pain areas. You can keep your pillow near the stomach and lie down.
Massaging can also be done at massaging centres or at home. If even after practising all these measures and you still continue to get back pain, then you must consult a doctor for specific treatment.

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The word testosterone is a well-known symbol of malehood and even though everyone is aware of its association with male sex drive and reproduction, few know about why it is so important. Testosterone is a hormone (a kind of molecule that travels through the body and has specific effects on certain organs or tissues) which is chemically known as an anabolic steroid. Testosterone is responsible for a number of important functions, such as sex drive, energy levels, immunity, and amount of cellular tissue (which is related to volume and strength of muscles).

Testosterone levels in men are about ten times greater than in women. The amounts of testosterone that are produced and circulated through the body varies with age. It experiences a large increase in adolescence but it starts declining by the twenties and normal levels drop about 10% for every decade after 30. If a man’s testosterone levels are much lower than normal, it results in andropause, which is how male menopause is known.

The increase in testosterone levels has noticeable effects in many aspects of health and well-being. Users report increased alert and focus as well as a sharper mind. Memory is also significantly improved. Being testosterone primarily a sexual hormone one of the effects of its stimulation is the restoration of a normal sex life, even after having lost the libido.